|
Classic 2D Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles titles from our youth may not have been perfect (save for the arcade classics) but they were fun and very respectable games that captured the spirit of the television series.
The Nintendo DS version of TMNT, which is based on the film of the same name, takes an awkward console-centric approach to its visuals and gameplay that leaves the experience unbearable and nearly unplayable.
While the console versions were respectable Prince of Persia clones, the Nintendo DS version of TMNT is one of the most broken rush-releases to ever get the Nintendo Seal of Quality.
The obvious comparison to the recent TMNT movie tie-in game would be classic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles titles from the arcade because of its use of the license, but TMNT for the Nintendo DS feels more like a borked version of Dragon's Lair.
Any game could blow its audience away with beautiful visuals but be fundamentally flawed because of control issues, sadly TMNT suffers doubly because its an ugly game that have controls which have been spawned in Hell.
Graphically the game is ugly, to quote the Penny-Arcade fellas, as ugly as the Devil's face. Instead of creating a respectable clone of other titles under the same license in 2D, UbiSoft decided that the handheld version of TMNT would be a clone of its console game - which is a clone itself.
TMNT suffers from poor 3D environments and character models that look strange, boxy and ruin the atmosphere of the gameplay.
In each of the 15 missions you control a different, pre-set, Turtle in a storyline that follows the events of the movie with little deviation.
The ability to move freely within the 3D environments is very limited, as the game controls more like DVD based adventure games instead of a traditional free-roaming button masher. While springing from rooftop-to-rooftop blue circles appear ahead of whichever Turtle you're playing as.
Each circle appears either ahead, to the left or to the right of your Ninja Turtle you control. To navigate the levels you must press the middle button (either X or B) when the circle appears in front, Y for left and A for right. In some cases you must hold down the A button to charge the jump for longer distances or push the jump button in mid-air for changes made by the context sensitive circles.
The majority of the game is platform based, but when battles actually appear its nothing more than a simple one-button mashing fest of spawning enemies. Battles are more frustrating for reasons other than its simplicity because the engine doesn't work properly. There is a noticeable delay from pressing the attack button to the animation occurring, and if you miss the animation often must complete before you can attack again. However this issue rarely causes your demise as enemy AI is non-existent. Players can also summon another Turtle to help out in battle a limited about of times, but its only needed during select boss battles.
Some features have been included to add to the replayability of the title; including wireless multiplayer. Once a level is complete you can replay it to collect any items you missed through your first play. Floating medals that spell out TMNT, similar to the SKATE tapes in Tony Hawk, are scattered through each level and help to unlock bonuses from the film. Multiplayer is simply a race, where two players attempt to complete a level before the other.
Like a lot of games from our youth, the new TMNT misses the opportunity to win a place in our hearts. With titles like Zelda: Phantom Hourglass and Ninja Gaiden releasing with unique control mechanics while still looking beautiful, its a shame UbiSoft didn't take the time to make TMNT everything it could have been. The game only stands to prove the developers don't understand the TMNT franchise - or how fans would want the game to be.
Then again, it is a movie licensed title - one of the hardest stigmas in the industry to break.
 
|
Bloguin is the revolutionary blog network specifically focused on helping bloggers get the most out of their websites. We're currently working on building a large network of online communities and hope to expand our blogging coverage to include a wide range of topics. 
The Bloguin Network allows advertisers to promote their products and services to our ever-growing number of visitors. We offer both site-specific ad placements as well as the ability to run a network-wide campaign. If you're interested in working with Bloguin to meet your advertising needs, please contact us.
The Bloguin Network is always looking to expand. We're specifically looking for blogs in the sports, entertainment, and video games field, but are open to adding any type of quality site.. If you're a blogger and interested in joining our network, please fill out our application form.
The Bloguin Login gives you full access to everything our network has to offer. Your name and password will work for each and every one of our sites. Signing up is simple, and will allow you to post in all our forums, create member blogs, and access other cool features! What are you waiting for? Create an Account! 